New Zealand v Australia

They've both certainly left their mark with both of them making it to 3 figures. There's practically an entire session still to play today and they've practically got the scores level. Gilchrist has hit 4 sixes and the pair of them have put over 150 now. New Zealand are gonna find themselves in for a torrid end to the days play.

All square in the match with NZ back at the crease. Australia finished 432 all out, just one short of NZ's first innings total. That would have been an incredible result had both sides had have finished level after the first innings and some joker somewhere would have made a fortune having bet on that outcome! My prediction for the match: McGrath to rip through NZ and completely skittle them leaving just a hundred runs or so to chase which Australia will do very successfully.

So the Aussies do it again!! Magnificent innings yet again by Gilchrist , ably supported by the stylish Katich. The ability of this side to pull themselves out of deep holes is truly amazing! That NZ collapsed so quickly had much to do with Warne and the umpire's fingers!!! Blimey - SEVEN LBW's in a single innings equalled the record !!! Maybe old Shep should retire - an English ump giving that many decisions to an Aussie side must be caused by senility!!!

Originally posted by -JP- Yet more proof that it's all very well matching Australia for one innings, but you have to be at your best for 5 days against them else you've got no chance.

Dead right JP !! Beating them takes a sustained effort through EVERY session - they never know when they're beaten.

   I hope Emgland are watching closely!!!

New Zealand 244 all out, Australia 570-8 declared, 4th Day; Forecast for more rain and mist but you never know with this Australian team. Draw has to be the favoured result though.

Third and final test, New Zealand batting, James Marshall makes his debut, Hamish Marshall and Fleming (now batting at 4) both make 50s but a late collapse (surprise!) sees Australia with the upper hand, the Kiwis finishing on 199/5 with Astle and McCullum both new to the crease.

Interesting stuff. The second Test looked intriguing from what i can make out (i didn't actually watch it) but it sort of seems like the Tester that Australia need before this year's Ashes series: How to deal with lousy weather! Its all well and good winning a Test in 2 days when you know you have the advantage of time on your side and are playing against rubbish opposition like South Africa do but when you have no choice but to hurry things up due to bad weather and the pressure is on its a different matter. I don't think the end result really mattered as yet again it was the Australians who were the better side and NZ eaked out the draw but it would have been interesting to see whether Australia could indeed force the win. None the less Australia comfortably won the series and NZ were given a torrid time of it. NZ have their rescheduled series against Sri Lanka to end their summer's worth and Australia are now done for the season and will head to England for the Ashes in about 3 months time.

OH! an afterthought - is there a less potent bowling attack in world cricket than that at Fleming's disposal? Maybe Ireland's in the WC here in SA is as ineffectual!!